Common Core / Discovery Portal Activity

COMMON CORE/DISCOVERY PORTAL
ACTIVITY

Reading Literature – Grade Five

Jerome Gracy – (standards 1-3)
Jessica Whittaker – (standards 4-6)
Shari Wickline – (standards 7-10)

EDT-786

C.C.R.L.5.1. QUOTE ACCURATELY FROM A TEXT WHEN EXPLAINING WHAT
THE TEXT SAYS EXPLICITLY AND WHEN DRAWING INFERENCES FROM THE
TEXT.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-U.S. History-Trial & Triumph-Dust
Bowl-

o The site contains an article/timeline about the Dust Bowl. Students
would be asked to use accurate quotes when explaining text and
drawing inferences from the text. Text includes pictures, dates and
written text to use for inferences. Other activities linked to this resource
include movies and biographies.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Geography-Maps-Reading Maps-
Latitude & Longitude-

o The site has definitions, graphics, and how to instructions. Definitions
could be done using quotes and all the information could be integrated
for drawing inferences. I would use this resource as an introduction to a
lesson determining the location of cities in the United States. Many links
to other relevant activities.

C.C.R.L.5.1. CONTINUED

3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Government & Citizenship-All About Democracy-The
Right to Vote -A Fight to Vote-
o The site reviews the events that led to some of the current voting requirements. Quotes and
inferences could be used from this article in a lesson about voting now and in the past. Links to
many other resources that would help diversify lesson material.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Geography-Communities-Transportation –Air-The Wright
Brothers-
o The Wright Brothers site describes exhibits at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Contains pictures and text that could be used for drawing inferences and accurate quotes. This
resource could be used in a lesson about describing museums and their specific purpose. Has
links to other resources including our Air Force Museum in Dayton.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-What Do You Read Next-Reading
Nonfiction-

o The Reading Nonfiction site is a general article about reading nonfiction literature. There are
definitions and general statements that would be great for quoting when explaining and
drawing inferences from the text. Reading nonfiction literature would be introduced using this
article as a source for students’ completing their own reference guide on reading nonfiction
literature. Resource has links to many other resources since it is part of a virtual classroom
website maintained at a high school.

C.C.R.L.5.2. DETERMINE A THEME OF A STORY, DRAMA, OR POEM FROM
DETAILS IN THE TEXT, INCLUDING HOW CHARACTERS IN A STORY OR DRAMA
RESPOND TO CHALLENGES OR HOW THE SPEAKER IN A POEM REFLECTS
UPON A TOPIC: SUMMARIZE THE TEXT.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-U.S. History-People-Many Faces, Many Places-
Coming to America-

o The site has several articles with details that can assist in determining the theme.
Summarizing the text would be done with the use of the text and pictures and videos
that are included in the site. This resource could be used in an unit about history of
immigration to the United States or about different cultures of individuals. Includes
links that could be used to diversify the lesson with pictures and videos.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-U.S. History-Women & World War 11-America’s
Home Front-

o The resource has articles with many details and well defined characters. The students
would use the Japanese American youngster or the student that becomes a shipbuilder
article to answer the standard. Other links are included that could be used to expand
the lesson options. Introducing other topics such as discrimination, changing roles of
individuals in society, and technology could be done with these resources.


3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-U.S. History-Women & World War 11-Women’s Baseball-

o The resource is about the Women’s professional baseball league. There are details and links to
clarify terms used in the main article that would enable students to respond to the reading
standard. A timeline is included that would be helpful in completing the standard
requirements. Resource could be used with unit about many different topics including
sports, women’s changing roles, and discrimination.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-All About Books-Mythology-Greek
Myths-

o The site has several short stories that could be used by students to complete standard criteria. I
would give the students a choice from the list of stories to read and have them complete the
standard tasks. Probably a vocabulary lesson using new words from their story selection
would be included. Depending on the class this could be done as a partnership activity.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Writing Poetry-Inspirations-

o The resource has many poems that could be used by the teacher. I would have the students
pick one that they liked and have them determine how the speaker reflects upon the topic.
Units about different types of writing, purposes of writing, and literature could include this
resource.

C.C.R.L.5.3. COMPARE AND CONTRAST TWO OR MORE CHARACTERS,
SETTINGS, OR EVENTS IN A STORY OR DRAMA, DRAWING ON SPECIFIC
DETAILS IN THE TEXT (E.G. HOW CHARACTERS INTERACT)

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Study & Research-Learning About Animals-Hall of
Mammals-

o The resource has many specific details to aid in utilizing comparing and contrasting
skills. Students would be asked to compare and contrast two or more characters (animal
types) , settings , or events in the article of their choice. Earth Science, Biology, Writing,
and other disciplines could incorporate this resource in lesson material.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Technology-Stealing Secrets-Famous Spies-

o The site contains many articles about spies and espionage . Comparing and contrasting
two of the individuals portrayed in their respective articles would be done by the each
student. Another possibility would be a partnership project with each student
contributing to the paper by using an article about a different spy. Writing, History, and
other subject areas could use this resource in unit lessons.


3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Earth Science-Caves-
o The resource has many articles, diagrams and pictures with captions about caves. There
is one article that explains the four major types of caves and how they are formed.
Students would be assigned this article and asked to respond to the standard
instructions. Their response could involve other material, such as models in addition to
text. Another article could be picked by the student if they so desired.
History, Geography, Science, and Writing could incorporate this resource as a lesson in
their respective units.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Physical Science-How We Move-Energy-

o The site has an article that explains different forms of energy. Comparing and
contrasting detailed information from this resource would meet the standard. Includes
other articles with pictures that could be used for resource material to give students
choices that meet their area of interest. History, economic, and other fields of study
could use this resource as part of unit study.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-U.S. History-Trail & Triumph-New Deal Projects-

o The resource has the material laid out as an Interactive Periodic Table. All the projects
can be reviewed individually by clicking on one of the tabs. Students would be assigned
to pick any two programs and complete the standard using the details provided in the
texts. Also included in this resource are events and people that students could use for
the assignment if they would prefer. Many links are included in this site for other
resources that could be used in other subject areas.

C.C.R.L.5.4. DETERMINE THE MEANING OF WORDS AND PHRASES AS THEY
ARE USED IN A TEXT, INCLUDING FIGURATIVE
LANGUAGE SUCH AS METAPHORS AND SIMILES.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-(In search box type ‚words‛)-Martin's big words the
life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Martin's big words-

 This site offers and looks at the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., explaining his work to
bring a peaceful end to segregation. This site would be a great way to introduce history
with inspirational words. Additionally, this would be a helpful modification for students
who are not at their current grade reading level. It is a video, but you could use this
activity to form a text.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-ESL/ELL Tool-Speaking-

 This site offers how to begin the Reading Steps, which is ideal in understanding words
and their meanings. Additionally, this site gives exercises on: How Do I... Use a
Dictionary? Hear Conversations? Sound Out Words? (All these skills are necessary in
learning how to use similes correctly.) This is an inquiry-type resource, which is great for
students with ADHD or other attention disabilities.

3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-Vocabulary-Figurative
Language –Metaphors-What Is A Metaphor?-

 This site offers the explanation of what a metaphor is. It is a visual activity and lists
examples of many different types of metaphors. Students will be able to view this activity
and get the basics to the definition of a metaphor as well as how to form a metaphor with
the appropriate usage of the word ‚is‛.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Grammar-Parts of Speech-Conjunction Basics-

 This site offers the explanation of what conjunctions are and helps aid in the explanation
that phrases together make sentences. This site explains that: ‚The main conjunctions you
will see in reading are: and, but, for, nor, or, so and yet. Memorize these seven little
words, and you are close to mastering conjunctions!‛ This is a helpful site in helping
students understand the role of phrases in a text.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Elements of Poetry-Simile-
ThinkQuest: Simile-

 This site offers an illustration of a poem about… similes. This site offers a creative way to
the introduction of a new topic (similes) and poetry is involved. Many students who
struggle with writing would like this activity because poetry often comes easier for those
who have difficulty with narrative writing and sentence structure.

C.C.R.L.5.5. EXPLAIN HOW A SERIES OF CHAPTERS, SCENES, OR STANZAS
FITS TOGETHER TO PROVIDE THE OVERALL STRUCTURE OF A PARTICULAR
STORY, DRAMA, OR POEM.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Writing-Give Writing a Boost-Styles
of Writing-News Story-News Story-

 This site offers a great way for your students to understand all the
different structures it takes to form a story. This activity specifically has
your students begin writing their own newspaper but first, ‚In order to
start your own newspaper it's best if you look at several examples of
newspapers first. This way you can get an idea of how you want your
paper to look and what type of stories you want to include.‛ This is a
great way to get your students to begin piece by piece on what a story
needs.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Art & Theater-Theatre-
Understanding the Story-Action (Plot)-Understanding Setting, Plot, and
Theme-

 This site allows your students to be hands-on when trying to understand
what the setting, plot, and themes to a story are. This is a creative and
colorful activity and many students would enjoy this one.

3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Art & Theater-Theater-Understanding the Story-Problem
(Conflict)-Corey Green’s Story Tips-

 This site gives a detailed blog that has many resources for helping children know how to write.
There are many hyperlinks that go into detail about each section/part of a well-written story
and this covers chapters and scenes to stories as well. This would be a useful website to use in
the classroom because it would allow your students to pick and choose the topics they least
understand when forming a story.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Elements of Poetry-Stanza-Poetry Fore
Children: Choosing The Format-

 This site offers an explanation of what a couplet is and gives examples from varies works of
children’s poetry. Specifically there are many poems that give examples to what a tercet, and
ballad stanza poem are as well. It is a creative activity that shows the many ways your students
can create poetry.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Elements of Poetry-Stanzas-All About
Stanzas-

 This cite offers a detailed explanation of what a stanza (or also referred to as a verse) is in
poetry. The students would be able to view and click on the many hyperlinks that show the
many different types of poetry through examples. This activity would allow students to have a
say in learning what specific types of poetry they choose.

C.C.R.L.5.6. DESCRIBE HOW A NARRATOR’S OR SPEAKER’S POINT OF VIEW
INFLUENCES HOW EVENTS ARE DESCRIBED.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Art & Theater-Theater-Making Plays
Together-Producing-Kids Can Put On A Play-

 This site gives a laundry list of what needs to be done for your students to put
on a successful play. This would be a great activity for your students to learn
about the role and importance of a narrator or speaker. This site explains
what you would need to do to perform a Shakespearean play, but if you
followed the to-do-list, it would work well with any chosen and appropriate
play for your students.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Speech & Communication-Types of
Speeches-Narratives & Story Telling-Example-Student Model-

 This site offers a very moving narrative about a difficult experience. Sharing
what she learned from this friendship makes an effective conclusion. This
narration also teachers your students how a narrator’s point of view can
influence a story. (This is a great activity to help your students’ realize that
even through hard times, lessons can be learned.)

3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Art & Theater-Theater-Understanding the Story-Problem
(Conflict)-Corey Green’s Story Tips-

 This site gives a detailed blog that has many resources for helping children know how to write.
There are many hyperlinks that go into detail about each section/part to a well-written story
and this covers chapters and scenes to stories. This would be a useful website to use in the
classroom because it would allow your students to pick and choose the topics that they least
understand when forming a story.

4. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Elements of Poetry-Stanza-Poetry Fore
Children: Choosing The Format-

 This site offers an explanation of what a couplet is and gives examples from varies works of
children’s poetry. Specifically there are many poems that give examples to what a tercet, and
ballad stanza poem are as well. It is a creative activity that shows the many ways your students
can create poetry.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Poetry-Elements of Poetry-Stanzas-All About
Stanzas-

 This site offers a detailed explanation of what a stanza (or also referred to as a verse) is in
poetry. The students would be able to view and click on the many hyperlinks that show the
many different types of poetry through examples. This activity would allow students to have a
say in learning what specific types of poetry they choose.

C.C.R.L.5.7. ANALYZE HOW VISUAL AND MULTIMEDIA ELEMENTS
CONTRIBUTE TO THE MEANING, TONE, OR BEAUTY OF A TEXT (E.G., GRAPHIC
NOVEL, MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION OF FICTION, FOLKTALE, MYTH, POEM).

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary-Technology-Programs, Projects & Gadgets-Programs & Applications-
Presentations-PowerPoint in the Classroom-

 The PowerPoint in the Classroom offers a fun step by step tutorial with animation. The tutorial
can be used as a teaching device or by individual students. The students can design a PowerPoint
based on a genre of literature they have read and then present it to the class. They can use various
tools to show how visual and multimedia elements can enhance their understanding of the piece of
literature.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary-Speech & Communication-Creating a Presentation-Using Visuals
Tools-Software-Creating Animations-

 Creating Animations allows the student to use a resource called Cartoonster. The site lets the
student create a graphic story using various images that are animated. The students can use this after
reading a book to turn the contents into an animated cartoon. It will show the students that the story
can be retold using a visual and multimedia format that brings the pages to life.


3. Discovery Portal-Elementary-Speech & Communication-Creating & Presentation-Using Visuals Tools-
Diorama & More-Diorama-

 The Making a Diorama Tutorial is a fun an easy step by step guide to developing a diorama. The
diorama can be used to visually reflect an important event from a piece of literature the student has been
reading. It offers directions that are easy to follow and provide visuals that help with the learning process.
The students can then present their diorama to the class retelling the major events from the story.

4. Discovery Portal-Middle School-Literature-Elements of Literature-Story Elements-Mood & Tone-Tone &
Poetry-

 The link provides the students with the definition of tone. It also allows the students to complete an
activity focusing on analyzing the tone in a poem and two examples of how tone changes the functions of a
poem. The students can complete the activities and then read print poems and analyze them. They can
then compare which way is easier to use when analyzing poems.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Literature-Non-Fiction-Types of Non-Fiction-
Biographies/Autobiographies-Multimedia Biographies-

 Multimedia Biographies lets the students search by letter of names beginning with, or by topic. The list
of available biographies is extensive, easy to navigate and provides options for the students to further
explore various areas of their person’s life. The students can also print a copy of the biography, link to a
bank that takes them to an external site (ie. like the White House’s multimedia biography of John
Adams), as well as a list of suggested books. The site would be very easy for fifth grade students to
navigate on their own and give a great example of how visual and multimedia elements provide more
quality information when focusing on biographies.

C.C.R.L.5.8. (NOT APPLICABLE TO LITERATURE)

C.C.R.L.5.9. COMPARE AND CONTRAST STORIES IN THE SAME GENRE (E.G.,
MYSTERIES AND ADVENTURE STORIES) ON THEIR APPROACHES TO SIMILAR
THEMES AND TOPICS.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary-Reading & Vocabulary-Helping You to Read-Graphic Organizers-
Venn Diagrams-Interactive Diagram-

 The diagram can be personalized according to what the student has been asked to compare and
contrast. The students complete the diagram by filling in the prompts. Once each prompt is
submitted the diagram fills itself in. The students then have the option to print a hard copy of the
diagram that can be turned into the teacher for assessment. Students would not only build
technology skills; but the application would hold their interest more than the traditional print
diagram.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-All About Books-Nonfiction-Fiction or
Nonfiction?-

 The activity lets students learn about the differences between fiction and non-fiction in an
interactive way. The students work through the tutorial by reading brief excerpts and then
choosing if the material is fiction or non-fiction. Once they are done they have the option of
completing a brief interactive quiz. This would be a great activity to use with students when
comparing fiction and non-fiction texts. The students can complete the activity on their own or in
groups.

3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-Helping You to Read-
Reading Comprehension-Compare & Contrast-Compare & Contrast-

 The site is an interactive slide show providing a wonderful tutorial on how to effectively
compare and contrast, as well as how to efficiently use graphic organizers. The slide
show can be used as whole-group, in small groups or by individuals. It will provide the
students with a solid understanding of how to compare and contrast anything from
items to pieces of literature.

4. Discovery Portal-Middle School-Reading & Vocabulary-Informational & Persuasive Text-
Organizing Text-Compare & Contrast-Graphic Organizer-

 The graphic organizer can be used as an electronic computer or a paper worksheet. If
filled out electronically the students have the option to send it to the teacher via the
computer or to print a copy. By completing the graphic organizer the students able to
compare and contrast the pieces of literature at the same time. They only need to follow
the steps and answers the questions being asked in complete sentences.

5. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Writing-Give Writing a Boost-Styles of Writing-
Compare & Contrast-Compare & Contrast Tutorial-

 The tutorial is an interactive way for students to learn how to do basic comparing and
contrasting. It breaks each step of the process down into easy to follow instructions
with multiple examples. The tutorial could be used with students that are struggling
with the basic concepts required before comparing and contrasting pieces of literature.
Students could use the tutorial as reference for their own clarification once they have
been introduced to the concept.

C.C.R.L.5.10. BY THE END OF THE YEAR, READ AND COMPREHENDS
LITERATURE, INCLUDING STORIES, DRAMAS, AND POETRY, AT THE HIGH END
OF THE GRADES 4–5 TEXT COMPLEXITY BAND INDEPENDENTLY AND
PROFICIENTLY.

1. Discovery Portal-Elementary-Reading & Vocabulary-Charts & Diagrams-Chapter by Chapter
Summary Chart-

 The Chapter by Chapter Chart allows the students to summarize each chapter they read in their
own words. This approach lets the students reflect on what was read and how they
comprehended the text. The chart can be copied into a word program for easy use. The chart can
then be printed off and assessed by the teacher. The page also provides a link to various resources
that provide similar activities related to particular genres.

2. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary—Helping You to Read-Why We Read-
To Solve a Problem-Author’s Purpose Activity-

 The site provides an interactive activity focusing on how to determine the author’s purpose of a
story. By completing the activity students can gain a stronger understanding of how to use the
author’s purpose in their own comprehension and understanding of a piece of literature. Students
can work through the tutorial in small groups or independently. By completing the activity
students can learn their strengths and weaknesses as a way to improve their own comprehension
when reading.


3. Discovery Portal-Elementary School-Reading & Vocabulary-Helping You to Read-Why
We Read-To Understand-Did I Read It or Not?-

 The site provides a student web lesson teaching students to discriminate between the
explicit and implicit information in the text. Students that have an understanding in
how to make these discrepancies are able to comprehend the most critical elements of
text.

4. Discovery Portal-Middle School-Reading & Vocabulary-Reading Process: Comprehension
Strategies-What Did That Say?-Reading Comprehension-

 The reading comprehension site offers resources for teachers to use with students to
build the skills necessary for comprehending what is read. The site also offers ways the
teacher may begin to access the progression of a student’s comprehension strategies. The
resources can be searched by grade level, special needs, ESL and adult education. The
students can learn this process by completing a webquest, applying their skills through
activities as well as other resources.

5. Discovery Portal-Middle School-Reading & Vocabulary-Reading Process: Comprehension
Strategies-Independent Reading Comprehension-Purpose of Reading-Reading for a
Purpose-

 The tutorial lets the user build a reading module that reflects their current ability level
and provides suggestions to improve comprehension skills. The teacher can use the
tutorial for whole group instruction or with small groups.

EXPERIENCES WITH DISCOVERY PORTAL

Gracy-
 Many of the sites did have good information and were colorful, exciting, and relevant to
their topics.
 Modification of the resources would allow them to be used in many disciplines for lesson
material
 When using the search window many of the sites that would be listed were not part of
Discovery Portal.
 Some of the sites listed could not be located or opened.
 Advertisement on some of the listed sites was disruptive and not what I would want
students to navigate around.

EXPERIENCES WITH DISCOVERY PORTAL CONTINUED…

Whittaker-
 Discovery Portal is a useful resource for teachers as well as perspective
teachers. Naturally, at first, it was difficult to find what I was looking for
because I had never used it before. So, if there were a tab that was a
hyperlink to a ‘How To Use For New Beginners’ that would be very
beneficial.
 Discovery Portal often led me to other websites that were not what I expected.
I expected actual lesson plans and things of that nature. But, the only sources
that I seemed to find were ‘idea-type’ resources… Not actual lesson plans.
(Therefore, this was not a website that made things clear cut and straight
forward and that was annoying.) *But, I also feel like we do need to do our
own work and research so…
 In all, other than not having a ‘How To Begin’ tab for Discovery Portal, I
thought it was a pretty useful resource that I will probably use in my future
classroom.

EXPERIENCES WITH DISCOVERY PORTAL CONTINUED…

Wickline-
o After using the discovery portal for this assignment I found areas where teachers would
run into problems.
o If not fully trained to navigate the discovery portal site teachers will become
frustrated, making them hesitant to utilize the many wonderful features and resources
offered to them and their students.
o Most teachers are going to search using a basic search strategy. For example when
typing ‚reading comprehension‛ it is hard to find resources focusing only on reading
comprehension. Quotations needed to be placed around both words to for them to
search as one term.
o An advanced search feature that helps eliminate this confusion may be helpful for
teachers searching for resources focusing on specific topics.
o It would be helpful if the resources could be searched by grade level. This would allow
teachers to have quick access to grade appropriate material, instead of reviewing each
resource they find to see if it is would be beneficial for their students ability levels. T
o here were also many sites that were no longer active when I tried to view them. This
may begin to deter teachers from continuing to look for resources.
o I have been fortunate to have had prior experience with Discovery Portal, but a general
classroom teacher that has not been given an introduction to its features, and turned
onto the pros of utilizing its resources, may not find it an easy approach to
supplementing and enhancing their lessons.
o While working in the group I was able to learn of the various experience levels teachers
have when it comes to technology and how to access resources electronically. It is this
wide spectrum of ability and comfort levels that educators across the board have that
limit the over all success of the portal.

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